I like it, my Mom likes it, Bourdain likes it but it will make your car smell if you leave in the trunk. I think it tastes like custard with a bit of mango (but not sour). The texture is slimy & somewhat stringy. I brought one to a BBQ & most of the people that tried it were fine with it after getting past the smell. There was one gagging incident though.

I agree with GB's comment. The smell isn't that bad compared to some cheeses I've smelled and tasted. I happen to like durian. As a friend once told me, "it smells like ****, but tastes like heaven." I wouldn't go as far to say that but my Mom loves it too. I think only Asians eat durian as I've never seen a non-Asian enjoy tasting it.

I had lunch at a Thai restaurant with a Tamil friend some time ago and he suggested I try Durian, if I was game. Whether because he braced me for the smell, or the durian we had was just not that good, I found the smell quite tame. Mango stinks in comparison in my mind. And while not many Australians supposedly like it, it sells in our local grocery stores, perhaps cos so many folk go to Bali and have got used to it.

Curiously, none of you have really described how it actually tastes!
I've seen it in some local Asian markets. And I've also seen products flavored on it in these same markets. And yes, I'm curious.
But how does it taste?

I've had it and quite enjoyed it. They used to sell them at an asian market in Poughkeepsie Ny where I went to culinary school

They are supposely growing various breeds that don't smell bad so shipping will be easier. I haven't had one of the "unscented" varieties. I imagine some of the mistique and peculiarites that make Durian so special would be lost if it didn't have its tell-tale scent.

I made icecream with it, and the smell dicipates greatly (as you know smells do when frozen) it came out wonderfully. great taste without the smell.

Curiously, none of you have really described how it actually tastes!
I've seen it in some local Asian markets. And I've also seen products flavored on it in these same markets. And yes, I'm curious.
But how does it taste?

After seeing Anthony B's show where he eats durian, I've been dying to get a whiff of one just to see how bad it would have to smell to be to have it banned in public places. But honestly, I doubt I'd actually eat something that stinks.